 Thank you everyone who came out to celebrate and honor our veterans this past Saturday during the 58th annual Veterans Parade. While the weather was a bit scary there early in the morning, things cleared up remarkably and by the time we lit the candle at the Remembrance Ceremony, the sun was peaking out to say hello!
This event is so incredibly important to our community and each year I'm absolutely humbled by the overwhelming support. To the thousands of veterans and active duty service members in Auburn and the surrounding area, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for serving. This weekend was for you.
I'd also like to honor and congratulate this year's parade winners. A panel of four judges, two of which were Veterans and a former Miss Washington, took on the complex task of deciding the winners out of the 160+ entries. Entries included military units, ROTC groups, Veteran Service Organizations, and numerous bands. There are six award categories, with the most prestigious award being the General’s Award – Best in parade. This year’s winners are as follows:
General’s Award – Best in Parade
#64 – Gold Star Families of Washington
Admiral’s Award – Best Military Entry
#33 – Graham-Kapowsin High School Army JROTC
Memorial Award to Harold Page – Best Veteran Service Organization Entry
#71 – Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
Colonel’s Award – Best Motorized Entry
#53 – American Lake Veterans Golf Course
Veteran’s Award – Best Non-Motorized Entry
#124 – Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle
Mayor’s Award – Best Musical or Drill Entry
#78 – Granite Falls High School Marching Band
 Congratulations all! Already looking forward to next year.
 I received a heartwarming email late Friday afternoon and after reading it, I couldn't stop smiling. I wanted to share it with you all because it perfectly encapsulates the wonderful spirit of Auburn -- neighbors looking out for one another, for no other reason than it's the right thing to do.
Shout out to our very own Wonder Woman in South Auburn! If this is you, or you know who this woman is, please contact my office at 253-931-3041 so that I may thank her appropriately!
Good afternoon and Happy Friday Ms. Mayor,
I’ve never reached out to a government official in this capacity before, but there is this incredible lady in South Auburn who truly deserves (although, I don’t know if she would enjoy all the accolades, but she deserves to be acknowledged by someone, so it’s me, I’m that someone!)
You see, I live and work in this great city of ours, my family is here, my friends are here, this is my home. So, I just had to tell you about this gracious lady who walks (literally almost daily) around in our neighborhood just to do great things for her neighbors, purely out of the kindness of her heart. When she (I wish I knew her name) goes out and about, it isn’t just a la-de-da walkabout she’s on, she walks with intent, she is setting out to make our tiny part of the world that much better. She wears crocs, carries a long-handled grabber and a garbage bag. She picks up all the trash that has been carelessly discarded by other residents who, seemingly, care far less about our tiny part of the world than she does.
Now, I don’t know her name, but she seems to be in her 50’s, about 5’5” or so, with shoulder length graying/blonde hair. She is usually donning gloves, crocs and a yellow vest. I most always see her on 37th Street SE (West of M St SE) before you get to A Street. However, my last encounter with her was on M St SE (North of 37th).
On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, I was driving south on M Street, heading home after work. Right about 33rd St SE, I saw the same lady outside, but this time she had her yard recycling bin and a rake with her! She was out cleaning out all the neighborhood drains!! My heart was so full, I turned around, pulled over and told her that I’m the crazy lady that thanks her from my truck in the mornings. We smiled and I gave her a hug and thanked her for all that she does, and that it IS being noticed! I tried to give her a rolled up $20. She didn’t even look down at it, she just said, “Oh no, thank you, I do this because I like to help my neighbors” and she tried to give it back to me. I told her that, dear lady, is EXACLY why you deserve this so you can get a little something for yourself. She said thank you, took the 20 and just smiled.
She is a truly good human being… she is selfless, gracious, giving, and humble. I wish we had a million more like her.
Honestly, I hope someone hears this and acknowledges this beautiful soul. Thank you for taking the time to read about her!
Have a fantastic holiday season, Ms. Mayor!!
 It's been a long time coming, but it seems King County has made progress on cleaning up a large homeless encampment along Green River Road near 94th Place South, north of the Auburn Golf Course on unincorporated King County land.
The cleanup officially began last week after months of planning and preparation. Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith and I, alongside other stakeholders, toured the encampment in early April to discuss solutions and real-world expectations. We are pleased that we were able to have some influence in the process and that is now underway.
Since that visit, which already featured dozens of vehicles and scores of tents, the camp has ballooned in size as well as illegal activity. That unfortunately spilled over recently to the nearby Valor Soccer field, which was forced to end its season early due to safety concerns and someone driving a vehicle on the field.
We have been vocal about this particular plot of land for years. Because it falls in-between Kent and Auburn, neither city has proper jurisdiction and unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed by King County. If it were in Auburn, you can bet our anti-homelessness team would be out there daily, making contact with our unhoused residents, connecting them with services and getting them real, meaningful help. Actually, our team does venture out there, especially if someone they’ve been working with ends up in that area.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: nothing about what has been allowed to continue at this camp is humane. People living outside in filth, in sub-zero temperatures, addicted to drugs, some committing crimes, is not the best of us. It's not a fair and good situation for them, and it's most certainly not fair to the neighbors who want to enjoy their homes in peace. And especially not to Valor Soccer, which has been left to scramble for a new field. Kids, just wanting to play soccer and have fun have been denied that opportunity!
I sincerely hope this clean up ushers in a new era of compassion and accountability practiced by King County, where we no longer allow this cruelty to flourish.
 The Miss Auburn and Miss Auburn's Teen Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for all programs!
The Miss Auburn & Miss Auburn's Teen Scholarship program is an amazing opportunity for women who want to foster change and transformation. This transformation occurs personally, as participants engage in mentorship initiatives, explore scholarship prospects, and hone leadership abilities.
The program also facilitates transformation within the community by empowering young women to use their voices for advocacy and engage in acts of service.
Perhaps most importantly, this transformation happens interpersonally, with mentoring through opportunities such as Spark and Ambassador.
 Did you know between September and December there are over 20 multinational holidays around the world? That includes the traditional American ones such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, of course, but it also includes Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many, many more.
The City of Auburn is proud to be home to many people who practice different cultures and whose celebrations range across the spectrum throughout the year. It's important to remember everyone’s diverse histories have contributed to our community, whether we have experienced them yet or not.
This holiday season – and beyond, let's promote joy, kindness and goodwill. Let's celebrate positivity and inclusivity and acknowledge the richness of cultural and religious diversity within our own families and others.
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Festival of Trees 2023 - “Stay Golden”
The Festival of Trees is a community-based holiday exhibit at the White River Valley Museum. Each year the Museum selects a new community partner and theme. Partners decorate trees provided by the Museum that creatively incorporate the theme. Past partners have included local artists. ethnic heritage groups, and the King County Library System. This year we are turning to the business community to bring this awesome holiday tradition back to the Auburn community.
📅 Nov. 15 - Dec. 30
🕐 Museum hours (Wednesday - Sunday, noon - 4 p.m.)
📍 White River Valley Museum
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Maiah Wynne at Postmark Center for the Arts
Maiah Wynne delivers powerful and universally resonant lyrics with a hauntingly beautiful voice. She is currently the lead singer in Envy of None, a project including former Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. Based in Gresham, Oregon Maiah is an award-winning American singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. She will team up with Cellist Heidi Dubose for this impressive and inspirational evening of music.
Regular: $20 Student/Senior: $17
📅 Friday, Nov. 17
🕐 7:30 p.m.
📍 Postmark Center for the Arts, 20 Auburn Ave.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
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Sinatra Big Band Christmas
Take a swingin' Holiday trip back to the Las Vegas Strip. Joey Jewell's performance combines the incomparable phrasing and vocal texture of Frank Sinatra, the humor of Dean Martin, the style of Michael Bublé and evokes spirit of the Holiday Season. Backed by Jim Kerl's Swing Session big band, this show has the energy and excitement to keep you going all night. Also this night will be the CD release party of Joey Jewell’s Sinatra Christmas CD.
Performances held at: Green River College - Student Affairs Building (Cascade Hall) 12401 SE 320th ST, Auburn WA
Campus Event Center Parking (PDF)
Driving Directions (PDF)
Regular: $25 Student/Senior: $22
📅 Saturday, Nov. 18
🕐 7:30 p.m.
📍 Green River College - Student Affairs Building (Cascade Hall) 12401 SE 320th St.
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
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 It really was an amazing parade this year! If you weren't able to join us, you can view the full photo album linked above and here. And, make sure to join us next year!
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